Breathtaking scenery and delicious food in one go—The “Passionate Iron Horse Ride” from Bitan to Gongguan

▲ Bitan, not far from the city center, has become quite beautiful after its renovation. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

Reported by Li Wei / Taipei

Cycling while enjoying the cool breeze and the scenic riverside views is a convenient weekend leisure activity for many Taipei urbanites. Among them, Bitan in Xindian District, New Taipei City, is not far from the city center. After the renovation project completed in phases in 2008, it became much cleaner and more comfortable. Walking paths along both sides of the Xindian River have also been planned, allowing people to stroll or cycle. By cycling along this path for about 50 minutes, you can reach the Gongguan commercial area, which boasts a wide variety of food options—making it a perfect destination for a one-day trip.

The journey starts with taking the MRT to Xindian Station. Upon exiting the only available exit, Bitan Scenic Area is on your left. Nearby alleys are always bustling with tourists and lined with snack stalls during holidays. On the left side of the scenic area, there are many themed restaurants where you can enjoy international cuisine while admiring the iconic “Bitan” stone wall across the river and the famous Bitan Suspension Bridge. You can also rent swan pedal boats on the water for some fun.

A few steps along the scenic area toward Bitan Bridge, you’ll find bike rental stands where you can rent a bicycle by presenting an ID. With your bike, head in the opposite direction of Bitan and cycle along the Xindian River path for about 10 kilometers, which takes around 40 to 60 minutes, to reach the Taipei Water Park near Gongguan Station. Then, follow Siyuan Street, turn left at Section 3 of Tingzhou Road, and then make a right at the first intersection to arrive at the Gongguan commercial area.

▲ Enjoy the scenic ride on your bike; after this final uphill climb, you’ll soon enter downtown Gongguan. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

▲ The Gongguan commercial area, popular among students, has delicious food in every alley. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

You absolutely can’t miss these here“Chen San Ding’s” brown sugar frog milk drink, which is made with fresh milk and brown sugar-cooked tapioca pearls, offering a rich and unique flavor. It often has long lines during holidays. Next door to that shop is“Lan Family Gua Bao”, another must-try. The pork filling inside their gua bao comes in five options—you can choose leaner or fattier meat. It’s also topped with cilantro, pickled mustard greens, and peanut powder, giving it a rich layered taste. In addition, the shop’s Four-God Soup is also very famous, packed with ingredients like lotus seeds, Job’s tears, pork intestines, or pork stomach—each bite is full of texture.

Aside from those two recommended dishes, the nearby commercial area also offers snacks such asYilan green onion pancake,triangular sesame crackers,and Little Li’s pig’s blood cake, all worth trying. After eating and drinking your fill and regaining your energy, you can cycle back along the same route to Bitan in Xindian to wrap up your one-day trip.

▲ End your journey with the beautiful night view of Bitan, where light and shadow dance on the lake surface. (Photo / Reporter Li Wei)

[Travel Info: Passionate Iron Horse Ride from Bitan to Gongguan – Transportation & Food Guide]】

Transportation / Facilities:

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